Diminishing possibility of PAS-PKR cooperation

KUALA LUMPUR – January 23, 2018: Analysts are predicting that the escalating tension between PAS and PKR in Selangor will further reduce the likelihood of these opposition parties working together in the 14th general elections, although PAS is currently still a part of the PKR-led Selangor government.

Md. Shukri Shuib, a political analyst from Universiti Utara Malaysia, said that aside form the latest tiff, PAS has already made it clear that it will not work with Pakatan Harapan, of which PKR is a member, because of the presence of DAP.

“Other than that, PAS has also fought for a long time against former prime minister and now Pakatan chairman Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad. The fact that PKR is now a Mahathir ally would make it even harder for PAS to tolerate ,” said Shukri

Another analyst, Dr. Mohd. Azizudin of Universiti Utara Malaysia, is also of the opinion that the escalating tension with PKR will motivate Pas to strive on the idea of winning the elections and forming the Selangor government on its own.

Having considered such a scenario, Azizudin also cautions that when it comes to politics, anything is possible

When asked about the demand by PKR Youth secretary Syed Badli Shah Syed Osman for PAS to leave the Selangor government, geo-strategist Dr. Azmi Hassan said that such a demand could be regarded as superfluous.

“State executive committee members from PAS remain in the Selangor government just for PAS to be involved when state matters are decided but come the general election PAS will be on its own,” said Azmi.

Syed Badli Shah made the demand following a statement by PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang on Sunday that the Islamist party intended to form the next Selangor government on its own.